Reasons Many Expats are ESCAPING Pattaya or LEAVING Thailand for GOOD?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 เม.ย. 2024
- The reasons many Expats are escaping Pattaya or leaving Thailand for good? Why do many of my friends & ExPats escape Pattaya or even leave Thailand. Are They coming Back? I discuss my thoughts while escaping my own surroundings on a journey north. Let's go... #travelthailand, #thailife, #retiredthailand You can buy me a cup of coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/margaritas2
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I left Thailand and didn't know if I'd return. After 8 months living in America I had enough and am back in Pattaya.
I understand, Pattaya has me hooked. Welcome Back!
For me, I listed all my reasons and took a pic of this list and saved it on my phone. Whenever I feel home-sick or had a bad experience, I look it up and it re-centers me. Examples:
- Beachfront properties are expensive in US
- HOA, Tax, and Insurance on beachfront properties are expensive in US
- Beaches in US are swim temp only for maximum of 6 months a year
- Food is 1/3 price
- Groceries and diners are walkable even on beachfront
- No winter, no earthquakes, no tornadoes, no blizzards, no tsunamis
- Culture of tantric massages that nourishes physical and spiritual well-being
Tsunamis do hit Thailand
@@Dutchy695 Not Wongamat though. So pick places like thiis.
@bigradwolf5001 All great points. I was just talking to a friend who was considering the Philippines for retirement. I brought up the typhoon situation there & tropical storms in general. Reminds me of living in Florida. Anyway, good seeing you back.
@Dutchy695 The last one hit in 2004 in Phuket. I'm not sure if there has ever been a recorded tsunami hit Pattaya though I think Tsunami's are rare in general.
Pattaya has tourist tsunamis
Very good video! Made me think about health care costs. I was planning on moving to Thailand this years but the visa situation in Thailand has made me think twice about moving there. Getting a long term visa is so hard and costly to get.
Most people get a year visa? I think it’s pretty common and easy to accomplish.
Another thing, definitely consider using a visa service, they take the hard out of the previous statement.
@@MargaritasinParadise Hi! Thank you for the tip. I am going to look into using a visa service.
Great
This guy is so relaxed... such a peaceful relaxed person.
Thank you so much, I always try to be.
I love videos like this. That's why I subscribed. Just a friendly talk with a friendly guy about living in Thailand
I do appreciate the compliment. Thank You
Love to meet you and hit the driving range.
We definitely can do that. Are you in the PATTAYA area? Send me an email margaritasinparadise@gmail.com and let’s plan something.
I still come back, but It’s gotten stupidly overcrowded and over touristed. Add in the pollution, endless traffic, a dirty beach and ocean pollution and it’s sadly all a no go. I only come back because I’m stuck in my memories of 35 years ago when it was really fun and livable.
You make a good point or two. I was just looking at a picture of walking street from 1979. My first trip was in 1987 and I definitely remember a different time. The high season was ridiculously crowded but now I think the tourism numbers have dropped by maybe 50% just in the last few days of the end of Songkran. The air quality is historically is horrible during this time of the year, but will clear up by mid summer. The governments doing everything they can to change the image of cities like Pattaya and make every Tourist buck they can. The beaches today are way more cleaner than they were 10 years ago as is the water. Most of the garbage found on the beaches are brought in by the tides. Most resorts and seaside condos have cruise that go out and pick up the beaches every morning so customers can enjoy a pleasant stay. Unfortunately, the water quality is still lacking and nothing compared to the islands or southern Thailand, but still it’s clear water just not the blue waters in the postcards. I was thinking about this the other day when I put this video together about how much Thailand has changed in the last 20+ years. I remember back then everybody said you missed the good times. it seems like my life has always just missed the good times. Still like can’t imagine living in a better place during my retirement years that I can afford then here. Thanks for your input.
Not considered Hua Hin or Udon Thani as an alternative?
Both of these locations are excellent. Hua Hin is smaller and more expensive. I built a home in Udon Thani and live there off & on for several years. Traveling in this area provided serious challenges due to the lack of the English language in general. Cost seemed to be cheaper and staying busy was tougher. I still enjoy visiting both of these areas though.
Pattaya in the 90s was still good. Then along came the dawn of internet, cell phones, social media. Over built, smelly and crowded now. Some still love that- not me, i'm upcountry
@@MargaritasinParadise Crowds of Indians and Russians are ruining it for some. Too many of both of those.
The reason I had to move back to the UK was medical costs. When I got ill the hospitals would have cleaned me out then dumped me on the streets when I ran out of money. A couple of my friends when I was there ran out of money and didn't go back to their counties and ended up in their rooms being looked after by their ladies and dying. I only come out now on holidays avoiding Songkran.
I know a lot of people in the same boat as you. I think it’s sound advice.
Is there any reason why you skip Songkran?
@@michaellk2254 Some people like being soaked with freezing water for a week or more, some don't.
@@michaellk2254 the water they use isn’t exactly clean and the tourists ruin what it’s really suppose to be all about. They use water guns that are illegal and they try to hurt people riding on motorbikes by blasting them in their faces with them as they ride by. That’s not in the spirit of celebrating it’s very dangerous and I’ve seen some pretty bad accidents first hand because of it. Northern Thailand is where Songkran is truly celebrated like it has always been. Unfortunately places like Pattaya and Phuket mostly attract the worst of the worst.
@@jz3689 Yeah ain't that the truth! Well said sir.
Road trip! Personally always love getting on the open road. That is what I would miss from the USA if full time in Thailand. But be careful out there. The road accident statistics don’t lie. We’ll be following along.
We just hit low season after Songkran. The roads are around PATTAYA are still full, but getting outside in the country is much more relaxed. I still probably have five hours of road trip footage to publish but plan on hitting the road again in mid May. Fortunately, I’m never in a rush and I like taking my time to get to the places I like to go. Thank you for coming along.
Pattaya is as good or as bad as you want to make it. It can suck you down or lift your spirits every day. It is a great place to be if you can stand the heat.
You’re definitely right. I personally love it. I keep myself busy and enjoy the people in my inner circle, Life is good.
Greetings. New Sub.
Thanks for the sub! Welcome
Subscribed !
Welcome and thank you very much
@@MargaritasinParadise You're welcome Sir! It's a funny thing that most vloggers comments are tedious to read but your channel has me interested. 14 years a traveling mongerer here, well mainly visit Pattaya now.
It has it all, hot women and dirty beaches 😂
Hahaha, How long you been coming to Pattaya?
@@MargaritasinParadise 14 years. 10 years of the most extreme partying in Pattaya of which I was fortunate to have met guys that are living there 28 years. My body don't like it anymore so slowed down alot. (Holidays only).
Basically a mixed group of guys from Isreal to New York and Australia and New Zealand for our September birthday bash missions plus more trips in between.
Wow, you sound like me. Haha.
Road trippin' !!! Big-T on the move !
Life is good, I'm back logged on vids but more to come.
I think another factor is that it just wears thin after awhile. You think it is paradise with warm weather, cheap food/drink, lots of friendly girls etc. After some time you get homesick or bored? I know people retire to FL to get away from the cold/snow then they say they miss the change of seasons.
Great points. My father was the example of moving to Florida to get away from the cold weather and then he ended up missing family so much that he moved back. I have friends that live here or have lived here for so many years, they are afraid to go back to their home countries.
The sequel to this comment is once they're back in US, they are reminded right away of why they left. The best thing to do is laminate all the reasons for moving as a quick reminder of re-centering.
That’s a great idea.
What are the typical prices to play golf? Can you afford to play each week, with green fees, caddie fee, caddie tip, cart
On Wednesday I will play at Royal Thai Fleet Navy Course. It's the only course with no caddies and 2 players can ride in the same cart. It will cost my buddy & me 1100 baht approx $30 total. Now that the cheapest course I know.
On Thursday, I will play at Pattaya Country Club. I have a coupon for 1700 baht or $45 per player which includes green fee, cart, & caddy. Additionally, there will be a minimum of 300 baht $10 caddy tip.
I would say, that average fees run approx 2500 baht $75 without discounts that are generally available in one way or another.
I hope this helps
The answer I got from expats or locals-about expats- regarding people leaving pattaya mostly is MONEY, that's why I started investing for retirement since JAN2021 to retire in pattaya 2035-36 while visiting pattaya as tourist till then, I am coming earlier than expected this time so I will be there in 9thMay see you soon there.
Hazaa, you’re definitely in that one percent group that’s planning for their future. I think if you follow your goals, you will have nothing to worry about in your retirement years. Thanks for your input and looking forward to your return.
@@MargaritasinParadise thanks for the support and the encouragement. See you soon
Sounds good
I can’t live there full time. Been going there since the nineties when I was in the navy. Now that I am retired and have the money and time. I can’t live there. Also, there’s a lot of Indians.
@@jerrymylove1754 I haven't met so many in the bars that I like to sit in, BUT everyone has his own retirement preferences and goals
Don't know why people think spending 1/3 of what they do at home makes for a great lifestyle. Things like Songkran and/or 40-degree days would have me leaving the city or at least retreating into my apt so I better have a nice place and not one of those crappy 30 sqm 10k a month prison cells.
You bring up an interesting point. I live in a 48sqm studio condo that's perfect for me. I have a friend that tells me my place is to small. He lives in a 2 bedroom condo I think around 130sqm. When I visited him last week, I noticed his 2nd bedroom is still unfurnished and his dining room has 1 small table and 2 chairs. His balconies are empty as well though he's been living there 4 years. He's basically living in the same amount of space as me which includes his living room & bedroom. When I moved here, I made a conscious effort to downsize and try to move towards a minimalist style of living. I live a great life but unfortunately my minimalist lifestyle failed. 😃 😃 In past year's I stayed away from the Songkan Festivities. I look back and I'm not sure why, maybe I was influenced by negativity from friends about the festivities. This year, I embraced Songkran. In all all honesty, I had a great time. Definitely looking forward to next year. This year's heat is the hottest I remember in years. I was traveling up north last week and my car showed 45 degrees. So hot in fact that I had to postpone my hiking activities for another day. Thanks for your input. Even though our experiences differ somewhat, this allows others to see different points of view. Thanks again.
@@MargaritasinParadiseInteresting points.
Thank you
IF OVERSTAY VISA CANT GO BACK IN 10 YEAR LIKE BARRY THE BOSS 💯 NEVER OVERSTAY VISA THAILAND 👍
I understand things happen. I put a notification in my calendar for 30 days out that reminds me every seven days until my check-in is due or my extension is due. This is something that’s been rather easy for me, but a lot of people are complicating it for whatever reason. If you plan on having it a long-term visa or an elite visa, then it is critical to meet your deadlines.
Coming out soon. In my theoretical budgets health insurance cost is right up there with rent. Deciding if it’s best to get min visa coverage and pay cash for anything over. Gamble.
Many people gamble on travel insurance. Personally, I think it comes down to your age and health conditions.
Health insurance is becoming prohibitive for older guys so living in Patts permanently is sadly a no go.
I'm going to do a video on health insurance one of these days to give a good perspective of the cost for the average older guy.
@@MargaritasinParadise That would be great thanks. Zero health issues at present and no major bad habits but it is still crippling cost wise.
No need for health insurance if you keep 800,000 in the bank but I found out most expats don’t even have that much money they go thru agents and let’s say get it done on way or another.
So that’s an option. I’m assuming the 800,000 you’re talking about is the requirement for the retirement visa? Regardless of what you plan on using that money for I had a friend of mine that recently had emergency open-heart surgery at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. He needed to pay ฿1.2 million to leave the hospital I think after the fact his insurance Pacific Cross reimbursed him approximately 50% of that. my friend was fairly young when this happened to him at only 61 years of age now he’s reevaluating his healthcare plan.
How many night clubs, bars are truly Thai-owned vs Chinese or Russian owned. I visited a Thai language school in Bangkok and was met by a Filipina at the desk and a Chinese lady as manager. Neither spoke Thai (I had a Thai gf along).
I'm just guessing but I would say 60% are Thai owned. Koreans & Westerners own the majority of the remaining 40%.
I’m happy when I see Thai people own Thai businesses in Thailand. That said, I care most when low income workers are paid the most. If Thai owners paid Thai workers the most thb, that would be awesome.
I’m not sure how to respond. it’s been my experience that Thais generally go for the best value with everything. Amazon considers a taxi from her condo 150 baht to be expensive. For me that represents $5 for a 40-minute ride which is cheap. She would much rather opt for a 120 motorbike taxi and save the $1. I guess my point is, most westerners would rather pay more for a better service. With that being said, I see many times walking into a Western owned establishment that they may have 10 employees because daily wage is so affordable to employ more and ensure your customers have to wait less. Thai owned establishments, do more with less, many times having one person doing a job that many other places would have five or six employees.
Honestly, there are far cheaper places to live in Thailand. You have to balance cost with convenience. I don't think I would like to live full time in Pattaya.
You’re right. I also need the infrastructure of Pattaya. I enjoy doing certain things smaller communities are unlikely to offer but you are right. If you can do without certain amenities, the value vs price will surely go down. Thanks for your input.
I was trapped inside during songkran. But, that’s my fault. I get tired of Thailand after a few months and hop to another country.
It's a wonderful life to have options you have. Great input.
The health insurance is a must for older guys, unless you have a ton of money. and the older you are the more it's going to cost you for insurance. I don't think you can get it if you are over 75. For your other needs, if you get a two-bedroom condo, you can hire a liv in Thai maid that will cook, clean and wash for you and even get groceries. You have to be careful with that and get someone who pretty much guarantees her and recommends her (maybe she has family that work for a rich Thai and you get to know that Thai, you won't have to worry much but any time you let someone into your personal space, you have to vet them. I know guys with money that choose to live in a big studio condo because they do not want a Thai girlfriend to live with them.
And Don makes a good point about traffic congestion. Phuket will cost you more but if you want to have a car and explore it's a lot less congested, although they do drive like maniacs over there.
I live in Vegas and it has got pretty bad as far as driving goes. I never drive around peak hours and only during hours when there is not much traffic and I am a night owl. And Vegas is a place where they are constantly fixing roads.
If I don't move to Thailand, I'll probably move to Lake Placid in Florida, where getting around is not a problem.
Great point and sound advice. Thanks for sharing.
I would think 6000 usd as a minimum.
$6000 you could definitely live like a king a for one month as an retiree. When I was coming here as a Tourist for one month I would regularly bring $10,000 with me and basically live like a millionaire.
People leave because their wives in their western countries filled out a missing persons report
hahaha
"Padd-ah-yah' ??
SMH...how long has this guy lived in Thailand?? Good grief...
Stay critical of unimportant shit. It'll keep you happy, no doubt.
Hahaha, It’s an interesting fact that I have to pronounce the name PATTAYA different ways so speech to text works effectively. This definitely carries over into saying Pattaya in different pronunciations. I guess it’s the same thing as somebody calling a potato one way and another person pronouncing it a different way. I’m sure there’s examples of this for other words as well. I’ve lived in PATTAYA off & on for 14 years, I’ve been coming to Thailand since 1987.
@@ScooterOnHisWay2024 It's not 'unimportant' as you assert...it's disrespectful to the Thai locals.
As someone that has lived/worked in numerous different countries with vastly different cultures, I know that locals appreciate when expats attempt to assimilate, and pronouncing very common words/places incorrectly is just ... ignorant and shows a lack of respect.
I hope that I've now brought a little happiness to you by educating you on a topic that that many consider important...even if you believe otherwise.
@@elgar6743 oh stop it with that nonsense. It’s not a sign of disrespect buddy. Just because someone cannot pronounce something correctly doesn’t mean they are intentionally disrespecting anyone. Yes it’s nice to learn how to speak the language but it’s not easy for everyone to learn it so cut a little slack for them. I’m one of them btw and I respect everyone here just the same. If you smile and show that you are trying then what’s the problem?
@@jz3689 Your comments indicate that you, simply, 'don't get it'...
Seems that in your world, butchering the pronunciation of a major city, a city that you live in, is perfectly acceptable...
That is not my personal experience as an expat in the various countries that I've lived in.
This guy is one hundred percent correct don't bother
Thanks
I was born in New York, I first came to Thailand in 1998, specifically visited Bangkok and Pattaya still have the photos and the negatives, Thailand is so much larger than Pattaya and Phuket and Nana & Asoke .
I live in Korat since 2012, specifically in a village 40 minutes outside of Korat city center in my small “but honest opinion” the worse thing that ever happened to Pattaya is foreigners with mobile phones with cameras and TH-cam ,
the reason for my saying this is amount of terrible untruths disseminated about The life in (red light district ) known as “Pattaya “ and the participants women and men’s relating to each other in the Red-light district Pattaya
The perpetuated misinformation that is Stereotypical in fashion By far too many foreigners ,that were drawn to This country for retirement , arriving here in Thailand post 2016 Is When arriving in Pattaya ("most men "with TH-cam channels "but not All " ) disseminate information that contributes to others to forget that you’re a walking transaction opportunity and nothing more to the women in the red light city of Pattaya
The problem arises when you deceive your selves with your real reason for living in Pattaya
When I typed stereotypical it’s in reference to the large amount of misinformation associating Pattaya as a representation of Thailand and Thai culture by video titles or video narratives and (it is not ) , Important to remember this (***Thai culture is class structured )
The part of society the women that you encounter in the red light cities where vice thrives Pattaya in Choburi , Patong in Phuket , Nana & Asoke in Kungtep /Bangkok Those ladies by Thailand above classes standard are the lower rung of Thai society, regardless of how beautiful she looks, To you she is stigmatized by a large percentage of her people especially with having an older westerner
Pattaya it’s the street life )
Those of you that convince yourselves that you found opportunity for dating courtship, Engagement, marriage, from a participant in the vice life cities you’re setting yourself up for a bad experience that can ? Or will cost you 10’s -100’s thousands of dollars or Euros for p?sy & cheaply priced beer and sunshine .
My suggestion for new guys if who’ve never stayed here on a tourist visa for 6 months minimum ! Before you Retire here. Come party for 5 years, at 90 day tourist visa increments , in that period Take classes here in Thailand to learn to speak and understand the Thai language ,
Remember this ( ***They are watching & listening to you ) on the street and online “All foreigners your Social media pages and YT Channels the comments are read )
Thailand have a dedicated department whose employees were educated in the west U.K & U.S Germany France Norway these workers are highly educated in western languages and slangs with metaphors They investigate how you present The Kingdom of Thailand to the world The Thais are a very proud people and if you affront that pride and unkownst to you sit in front of the wrong immigration officer ? They are technology savvy and few ways ahead of the west .
As a man with lots of experience here , take what I typed here seriously, The 5 yrs will serve you well , It will give an opportunity to really learn and experience Thailand as whole outside of the vice city areas . Lastly If you’re Alcoholic or have had problems with Other substances or emotionally gullible / vulnerable "meaning your (emotions & wallet married to your male appendage ) and you have little to No street smarts , Pattaya, Patong , Nana , Asoke are not the recommended retirement destination for you The wrong cute lil Asian girl will clean Your A?s out
. I’ve seen & known more than few From the U.S , U.K. Mainland Europe loose their money, health and worse starting point from the barstool .
Great response and comment, Sounds like a voice of experience. With your feet on the ground for 20+ years, I think you'd be a fantastic person for an interview on my section, "Everybody has a Story"? Definitely think about it, I would certainly come up If you have the time. Tom
Unfortunately not enough dump falang will read this. All true though and good effort to post it!
I have been in Pattaya 2 years and I have never seen a golf course. I have seen One driving range.
Hahaha, I have to assume you're a non-golfer? It's amazing what opportunity awaits us here in Pattaya.
@@MargaritasinParadise I was a 9.7 hcp. I have been all around Pattaya Many times and have seen Golf bars. BUT I have never seen a golf course. OR met anyone who played. If you have to travel an Hour or 90 minutes to a course It is not worth the time. And it is NOT in Pattaya.
You’re not looking hard enough buddy. There’s a par 3 nine hole course right near the beach. There’s other courses not to far away from the city too.
@@jz3689 Just saying. I have never seen any in 2 years. Gave up looking.
@bitemenow609 You're definitely a player but with the exception of Asia course in Jomtien all the other courses are approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour drive from central Pattaya. Now I'm just giving approximate distances as some maybe further. There are some serious courses designed by top pros. It probably comes down to how serious you are about golf. maps.app.goo.gl/ZFwWuuJURt3gmxbJ8maps.app.goo.gl/pfKqpFud7RrD6ppV9maps.app.goo.gl/3XmanSc27vAAYyaN6
I hope this helps.